Philanthropy and Recreation

The Orthotic & Prosthetic Activities Foundation (OPAF) serves in a unique position as the philanthropic arm for O&P recreation within the United States. Our mission is simple—introductory-level adaptive recreation for anyone with a physical or mobility challenge. Other organizations focus on higher-level or elite athletes, but OPAF wants to reach the new amputee, the patient with spinal cord injury, the child with cerebral palsy, and the stroke or brain injury survivor, and show them the opportunities and possibilities that The First Clinics offer.

W e are happy to give people their first experience and then direct them to other organizations that promote higher-level athletics. Additionally, we offer education and coaching at several events to bring together all members of the rehabilitation team to work on aspects of balance, core muscles, strength, and more. Allied healthcare professionals receive continuing education credits for many of these trainings and clinics and can continue the work started at a First Clinic event to build local programming for their patients. Future endeavors will focus on clinical education for members of the rehabilitation team and local recreation groups. We discourage "one and done" events that don't allow for more activity and fun.

First Clinics have grown by degrees: First Swim led to First Paddle (kayaking), which lead to First Dive (scuba). Ronnie Dickson, CP, an avid climber who has a knee-disarticulation amputation, approached us with the idea for First Climb.

While First Clinics may seem to focus solely on sport or activity, the social aspect of the clinic is just as valuable. It doesn't matter if we are rock climbing, playing tennis, scuba diving, or dancing, the activity is only half as important as the camaraderie of being with others facing similar challenges and their families in a safe, secure environment. For example, learning to dance includes a partner to hold on to for balance, someone to socialize with, and it's a fun way of personal expression. Participants and their families are given information on local programming in their area so that they can continue what they have begun. Whenever possible, we partner with local providers of adaptive recreation in the area.

At the Paralympic Games this month in South Korea, we will see some of the best of the best in winter sports, but Paralympic athletes are not born with the skills you will see on display. It had to begin somewhere. Why not start at a First Clinic? OPAF began as support for the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta, before choosing to focus on the first step people who face a physical challenge need to take toward getting active and socially reintegrated.

Support for OPAF and The First Clinics comes from donations, grants, and sponsorships. Corporate sponsorships allow us to conduct the day-to-day operations of the nonprofit organization and public charity, located in Charlotte, North Carolina. No First Clinic can proceed without sponsorship funding behind it. Patient care facilities should consider sponsoring a First Clinic as a marketing opportunity and an opportunity to benefit local amputees.

Robin Burton is OPAF's executive director. She can be reached at 980.819.9404. For more information about OPAF's First Clinics, visit www.opafonline.org .

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Related posts:

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Get unlimited access!

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